FRESNO, Calif. — Stanislaus State showcased a balanced offensive attack and continued development as a team during Saturday's neutral-site match against Menlo College at the Special Events Center. The Warriors tallied 40 kills and delivered several strong individual performances, pushing the Oaks in each set before ultimately falling in straight sets (22-25, 22-25, 19-25) in non-conference action.
FIRST SET
The Warriors opened strong, trading early points with Menlo and holding leads throughout much of the set. Stanislaus recorded 15 kills on 52 attempts, led by Isabella Saucedo and Malia Tanksley. Down 24-19, the Warriors rallied with three straight points to force a Menlo timeout, but the Oaks closed out the set 25-22.
SECOND SET
Set two featured nine ties and five lead changes as both teams battled through long rallies and clean play. The Warriors kept pace with 12 kills, but were edged late by a pair of timely Menlo aces and attacks that helped the Oaks claim another 25-22 win. Christallynn Tate and Saucedo again fueled the offense, while Teagan Irish added a service ace and kill.
THIRD SET
Stanislaus stayed aggressive in the third, improving their hitting percentage to .231 while adding 13 kills — their highest of the match. The Warriors kept it close early, but a mid-set run by Menlo gave the Oaks separation they wouldn't relinquish. Despite late kills from Emily Meyer and Saucedo, Menlo took the final frame 25-19 to secure the sweep.
WARRIOR NOTABLES
- Isabella Saucedo led the Warriors with 11 kills and added 14 digs for her first double-double of the season.
- Shaelyn Pruiett recorded 17 assists and six digs while contributing both offensively and defensively.
- Leah Mendoza anchored the back row with a team-high 19 digs, helping the Warriors stay in long rallies.
- The Warriors totaled 69 digs as a team and posted 3.0 total team blocks, including key touches from Teagan Irish and Emily Meyer.
- Malia Tanksley added eight kills on 20 swings with a strong .350 hitting percentage.
UP NEXT
The Warriors continue their seven-match road trip at the Biola/Vanguard Kickoff Classic, held September 11–13 in Southern California. The tournament begins for Stanislaus State with a match at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 11 at Biola. The Warriors will play four matches over three days as they continue non-conference play ahead of CCAA competition.
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